Beehappy's Friday June 29th, 2012

Quite a few of the wwoof hosts have a book for you to write in as a way of remembering you, and for you to share your positive experiences. Here is what we wrote tonight, in advance of leaving tomorrow morning...

They say that pets' personalities reflect their owners. I cannot think of a more positive way to describe the welcome we received here. Ringa and Screech are friendly, relaxed and happy to have company. The ducks are always pleased to see us too!

Your hospitality has been incredible. We feel very lucky to have chosen to visit East Cider Orchard and to have had a brief window on your wonderful land and lifestyle. The food has been amazing, and you have been very generous with sharing your alcohol too. The Margarita's were a particular hit.The variety of jobs we did were great, and we have a new found respect for strawberries!

Our trailer was cosy and fun, and we enjoyed being able to take out the bikes and explore the island a little. We have enjoyed seeing the hummingbirds. The trips to the 'cinema', the bbq, the music and the art gallery were much appreciated too.

What particularly stood out here was the relaxed atmosphere. We felt very much at ease, and feel rejuvenated through being here. The conversation was
always interesting and we felt welcomed and valued.

So, get in touch if you ever go to England again, we'll show you the North East, and maybe let you sample the kale and sorrel and strawberries we're growing!

A big, big thank you (especially for turning me into a lumberjack Larry, and for letting us drive the tractor!) As well as giving us ideas for gardening, you have planted some seeds for how to live a friendly, relaxed life. You've made a big impact :)

The telephone rings frequently here. Much more often than mine back home, or even anyone else's house Ive been in. They do have a mobile (but poor coverage), however, that's somehow missing the point. People ring up to chat, to catch up, to share news, ask questions, arrange meetings. It's really nice to hear the comfortable chatter that comes with communicating directly (as opposed to email, text and blogging!) I think I'm going to try and use my phone more when I get home.

We went to visit an art gallery this evening. A small selection of photographs from London and Cuba - 'Cockneys and Cubans'. And we also called in to listen to some local music too. The first act was a Londoner who sang 'Maybe it's Because I'm a Londoner', 'Daisy, Daisy' and 'My Old Man's a Dustman'. It was fun!

It's tempting to think that life here is idyllic, some sort of paradise. It's reassuring to know that even in beautiful British Columbia communities have disagreements, people argue with their spouses and solitaire is still a necessary distraction sometimes.